Limited operations restart across major hubs including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, restoring key long-haul connections for the global travel trade. Airlines across the Middle East have begun gradually restoring operations following weeks of disruption caused by geopolitical tensions and temporary airspace closures across parts of the region.
Several Gulf carriers were forced to suspend flights or significantly reduce schedules earlier this year as aviation authorities imposed restrictions across major flight corridors. The disruption affected thousands of flights and temporarily reduced connectivity through some of the world’s most important transit hubs.
Now, airlines across the region are restarting operations on a limited basis, restoring links between major hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Muscat and Kuwait and international destinations across Europe, Asia and beyond.
For the travel trade, the reopening of airline networks across the Gulf is a crucial development. Middle Eastern carriers play a central role in global aviation, connecting long-haul routes between Europe, Asia, Africa and Australasia through hub-and-spoke networks. Below is an overview of the major Middle Eastern airlines that have restarted operations and the destinations where services are gradually returning.
Emirates Restarts Limited Global Network
Dubai-based Emirates has resumed a restricted flight schedule from Dubai International Airport (DXB) following temporary disruptions to airport operations. The airline has restarted services to around 75 destinations across its global network, operating flights through approved aviation corridors while prioritising passengers with confirmed bookings. Among the routes gradually returning are key long-haul connections linking Dubai with London, New York, Delhi, Sydney and Tokyo, which serve as major transit markets for international travellers.
The return of Emirates flights is particularly significant for travel intermediaries, as the carrier is one of the world’s largest international airlines and a major connector for long-haul travel between continents.
Etihad Gradually Restores Abu Dhabi Operations
Abu Dhabi’s national airline Etihad Airways has also resumed limited operations from Zayed International Airport (AUH). The carrier initially restarted flights covering more than 70 destinations, gradually restoring connectivity between Abu Dhabi and key international markets across Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
Early services focused on assisting stranded passengers and maintaining essential travel routes. Flights have already begun returning to destinations including London, Frankfurt, Mumbai, Delhi and Singapore, although frequencies remain lower than normal.
For travel advisors, Etihad’s network restoration is important because Abu Dhabi functions as a secondary Gulf hub connecting Europe with Asia and the Indian subcontinent.
Qatar Airways Reopens Doha Hub
Qatar Airways has also begun restoring operations from Hamad International Airport in Doha, one of the world’s busiest international transit hubs. The airline has restarted limited scheduled services and repatriation flights, particularly to destinations across Europe and Asia. While operations remain reduced due to ongoing airspace restrictions, the reopening of Doha’s hub is an important step in restoring global travel flows.
Qatar Airways operates one of the world’s largest international networks, serving more than 180 destinations, making its hub a key transfer point for long-haul travel.
Regional Connectivity Returns with flydubai
Dubai-based low-cost airline flydubai has also resumed services from Dubai International Airport, operating a reduced timetable across its regional network. Flights have restarted to several destinations across the Middle East, South Asia and Eastern Europe, helping restore regional connectivity and providing feeder traffic into Emirates’ long-haul routes.
For travel agents, flydubai’s network is particularly valuable because it connects numerous secondary cities not served by major international airlines.
Air Arabia Restarts Sharjah Services
Low-cost carrier Air Arabia has also resumed limited operations from Sharjah International Airport. The airline has gradually restarted flights linking the UAE with South Asia and regional markets. One example is the resumed Sharjah–Nagpur route, which recently operated with more than 120 passengers onboard.
Air Arabia’s services are particularly important for travel agencies handling labour and visiting-friends-and-relatives (VFR) travel between the Gulf and the Indian subcontinent.
Saudia and Gulf Air Resume Regional Services
Other Gulf carriers have also begun restoring operations. Saudi Arabia’s national airline Saudia has resumed several flights from Jeddah and Riyadh, gradually reconnecting Saudi Arabia with international markets across Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Bahrain-based Gulf Air has restarted selected services from Bahrain International Airport, restoring regional links and rebuilding international connectivity.
Oman Air Reopens Muscat Connections
Oman Air has also resumed flights from Muscat International Airport, gradually restoring international services. Routes connecting Muscat with destinations across Asia, Europe and the Middle East are being reinstated as aviation authorities reopen flight corridors.
Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways Restart Flights
Airlines in Kuwait have also begun restoring services. Kuwait Airways has resumed several international flights from Kuwait International Airport, reconnecting the country with destinations across the Middle East, Europe and Asia. Low-cost airline with key regional and South Asian markets, serving strong demand from labour and VFR travellers.
MEA and Flynas Also Rebuild Networks
Lebanon’s national carrier Middle East Airlines (MEA) has resumed limited operations from Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport, restoring connectivity between Lebanon and key regional hubs. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabian low-cost carrier Flynas has restarted several routes from Riyadh and Jeddah, linking Saudi Arabia with destinations across the Middle East and North Africa.
Despite the resumption of flights, aviation analysts warn that the recovery will remain gradual and dependent on regional stability. Airlines continue to adjust schedules as aviation authorities reopen flight corridors and reassess safety conditions. Travel advisors and tour operators are being encouraged to remain flexible and monitor airline updates closely. As more routes return in the coming weeks, Gulf carriers are expected to once again play their critical role as global connectors linking major travel markets across continents.
